Memorial Park Arlington Heights

The land for Memorial Park Arlington Heights was donated in 1883 by longtime resident Dr. John Best with the purpose of honoring the 61 area residents who served their nation during the Civil War. At that time Arlington Heights was still callled Dunton.

Succeeding generations added monuments to Memorial Park Arlington Heights to commemorate veterans who served and sacrificed for our freedoms.

After more than a century of service to veterans and the community, Memorial Park was in need of renewal. In the Spring of 2007, a group of residents and dedicated veterans began working with the Arlington Heights Park Foundation and the Arlington Heights Park District. The purpose of this collaboration was redesigning and reconstructing Memorial Park. This effort spanning nearly two years culminated in a new design that evolved Memorial Park into a living history of our nation, our community and the service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families.

At the heart of the new Memorial Park is a central plaza that educates and informs visitors about the service and sacrifice of veterans by displaying:

the official seal of all six branches of the United States military in the order that they were chartered by Congress: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine
a set of bronze markers listing the 15 military conflicts in which Arlington Heights veterans served – from the Civil War through the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan
commemorative bricks for individual veterans with inscriptions detailing their military service.

This new design captured the hearts and minds of our community. Contributions for the reconstruction of Memorial Park came from many public and private sources including: residents; civic and veterans’ organizations; businesses; a grant from the Village of Arlington Heights as well as a dedication of funds from the Arlington Heights Park District.

Memorial Park was formally rededicated on November 8, 2008 – the 125th anniversary of the Park. This ceremony marked the completion of Phase I renovations and launched Phase II efforts that enhance the Park further. The focus of Phase II was to raise funds for the Eternal Flame bronze sculpture which now stands at the center of the Memorial Park Plaza.

The Eternal Flame is a beautiful bronze sculpture designed by noted artist Fran Volz. The Flame represents Arlington Heights’ eternal remembrance of the service and sacrifice of veterans and their families.

Standing 15′ tall, the Flame is installed at the center of Memorial Park – surround by the veterans’ commemorative bricks. The Flame stands on a granite base with five sides. Eventually, each side will have an inscription. The first inscription reads “Because of our heroes and their families, freedom survives”.